John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Peace and Justice (2026) [Hi-Res]

In late 2021, music curator Olha Bekenshtein commissioned composer and arranger John to create jazz arrangements of Ukrainian music for a large ensemble. Although the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted the initial plan, the idea sprouted and materialized in the track “Red Shades” — a jazz arrangement of the song “Oi u luzi chervona kalyna” (“Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow”).

Originally created in 1914 by composer Stepan Charnetskyi based on an old folk tune, the composition historically became a symbol of the Ukrainian struggle for independence, gaining new widespread popularity in 2022 through a performance by musician Andriy Khlyvnyuk. Arranged by John for a big band, the abstract language of jazz conveys a story of resilience, hope, and the pursuit of peace and justice.

Tracklist:
1. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Sinanari
2. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Peace and Justice
3. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Racing Heart, Heart Racing
4. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Red Shades
5. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Sighs
6. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - In the Middle of the Yard
7. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Feed the Fire
8. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Verbena
9. John Hollenbeck & Hot Club Jazz Orchestra - Power of Water